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Tigers send D. Paulino to finish Astros deal

Tigers send D. Paulino to finish Astros deal

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By Bobby Nightengale
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MLB.com |

DETROIT -- The Tigers on Friday sent right-hander David Paulino to the Astros as the player to be named in the trade for Jose Veras on July 29. The 19-year-old Dominican is the younger brother of Detroit pitching prospect Brenny Paulino.

Like his brother, David Paulino has a big arm but has to work through a series of injuries, culminating with Tommy John surgery this summer. Before his latest injury, he was off to a solid start in the Rookie level Gulf Coast League, going 2-1 with a 2.70 ERA in four starts with 22 strikeouts in 20 innings. Paulino was hitting 97 mph with his fastball according to scouting reports.

It's a high-risk, high-reward pickup for the Astros, who received outfield prospect Danry Vasquez from the Tigers as the other part of Trade Deadline deal.

Since joining the Tigers, Veras had a 2.76 ERA in 18 appearances with two saves entering Friday night's game against the Royals. He had 12 strikeouts over 16 1/3 innings, and also has helped the bullpen with more than just his performance on the mound.

"He's done well," manager Jim Leyland said. "He's a veteran presence for us. He doesn't get too excited. I think that's been beneficial to us. We didn't have much experience down there as you know, so I think that's been a big help."

Bobby Nightengale is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.